Massage gun comparisons 2022 – how do I choose a massage gun?

Massage gun comparisons 2022

Massage guns are cleverly designed, with a hollow triangular handle and moveable massage arm (an upgrade from the Elite) that allows you to comfortably reach any ache. The PRO is much more powerful than its fellow Therabody guns, too, and comes with a wider range of interchangeable heads to choose from. But you still get access to the helpful Therabody App, which provides ‘guided, personalised wellness routines’. Know which is better for you from Massage gun comparisons 2022.

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Pros & Cons

Theragun Pro

Pros

  • Very high-quality design
  • Powerful motor with deep percussions
  • Two batteries for continuous operation
  • Variety of attachments, programs, and speeds
  • Multiple grips and piston angles
  • Features Bluetooth integration

Cons

  • Most expensive of the lineupNot as quiet as othersLarge carrying caseA bit heavy

Opove M3 Pro

Pros

  • Solid power performance
  • Economical package
  • Quieter than similar models
  • Stout construction and carrying case
  • Variety of massage tips

Cons

  • Less-than-stellar battery life
  • No programs or presets
  • Lower amplitude than some

Medcursor Precision

Pros

  • Small and lightweight design
  • Very affordable
  • Extremely quiet
  • It comes with six massage tips and a case

Cons

  • Weaker power performance than others
  • No removable battery
  • Fewer grip positions

Hyperice Hypervolt

Pros

  • Quality materials and components
  • High stall force rating
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Does not include a carrying case
  • Expensive

TimTam PowerMassager PRO

Pros

  • Very rugged construction
  • Powerful motor with a high degree of amplitude
  • Built-in programs and presets
  • It comes with a heated massage tip
  • Ergonomic grips and multi-angle piston

Cons

  • Noisier than average
  • Costly
  • Only three included massage tips
  • Poor battery life

Specs

Theragun Pro

  • Max PPM: 2,400
  • Amplitude: High
  • Run Time: 150 min per battery

Opove M3 Pro

  • Max PPM: 3200
  • Amplitude: High
  • Run Time: 3-6 hrs per charge

Medcursor Precision

  • Max PPM: 3200
  • Amplitude: Low
  • Run Time: 4-8 hrs per charge

Hyperice Hypervolt

  • Max PPM: 3180
  • Amplitude: Medium
  • Run Time: 3-4 hrs per charge

TimTam PowerMassager PRO

  • Max PPM: 2800
  • Amplitude: High
  • Run Time: 1 hr per charge

TheraGun PRO Vs G3PRO Massage gun comparisons

FeatureTheragun PROTheragun G3Pro
Stall Force60 lbs60lbs
Stroke Length16 mm16mm
Weight2.9 lbs3.1 lbs
Battery Life2.5 hours1.25 hours
Number of Batteries22
Speed Options5
(Unlimited with app)
2
Noise60-70 DB~75DB
Number of Attachments66
Head Adjustment Options44
BluetoothYesNo
App ControlYesNo

Theragun Elite vs Theragun mini Massage gun comparisons

eatureHypervolt PlusTheragun EliteTheragun MiniHypervolt Go
Stall Force45-50 lbs40 lbs~20 lbs<15 lbs
Stroke Length14 mm16 mm12 mm10 mm
Battery Life2 hours2.5 hours2.5 hours2.5 hours
Speed Options3
5
+ Custom w/ App
3
3
Noise62-69 dB66-68 dB59-68 dB45-55 dB
Weight3 lbs2.2 lbs1.43 lbs1.5 lbs
DisplayNoneOLEDNoneNone
Bluetooth
+ App
YesYesNoNo

Review – Massage gun comparisons

Design

The Medcursor Precision received good marks because of its slender and lightweight design, whereas the MaxKare Heated Massage Gun got knocked for its hefty motor that felt top-heavy in hand.

Accessories

With six different massage tips, an extra battery, and customizable programs and presets via Bluetooth connectivity, the Theragun yet again proves itself to be a versatile wunderkind. Sporting quality tips but requiring that you purchase the carrying case separately, we were less impressed by the Hyperice Hypervolt, which lacks any settings beyond variable speed. Of the two massagers that featured heated tips, we found the MaxKare Heated Massage Gun to be more effective than the TimTam Power Massager to that end. 

Charging

Though it only comes with a single removable battery that lasts around an hour, the TimTam Power Massager also comes with an AC charging stand and has extra batteries available for purchase. the Theragun PRO was the highest performer in continuous run time. With two removable LI batteries that last about two hours each and an included charging stand, you can run the unit perpetually so long as you have access to an AC wall outlet. The Medcursor Precision had a very comparable run time but wasn’t able to swap batteries for continuous use.

Theragun Massage gun comparisons

Theragun PROTheragun EliteTheragun Prime
Stall Force60 lbs.40 lbs.30 lbs.
Stroke Length (Amplitude)16 mm16 mm16 mm
Battery Life2 x 2.5 hours2.5 hours2 hours
Speed Options5 – unlimited with an app5 – unlimited with an App5 – unlimited with an App
Noise (Decibels)65 – 71 dB 66-68 dB65-69 dB
Weight2.9 lbs2.2 lbs2.2 lbs
Size10” x 7.1” x 3”
(25.5 x 18 x 7.6 cm)
9.5” x 6.7” x 2.8”
(24 x 17 x 7.4cm)
8.9” x 6.3” in x 2.7”
(22.5 x 16 x 7.3 cm) 
DisplayOLEDOLEDLED
BluetoothYesYesYes
App ControlYesYesYes
Number of Attachments654

Speed

The Theragun Pro received the highest power rating out of the whole lineup; it was the clear winner of this category. With 16mm of amplitude and a stall force rating of 10, this model delivers an extremely powerful percussive blast that is felt deep in the muscle tissue—even at its lowest speed setting. Also boasting a good degree of amplitude is the TimTam PowerMassager Pro, though it didn’t have quite as high of a stall force rating. 

Easy use

the Theragun PRO takes the top spot — with numerous rubberized grips and four different piston angles to provide an arsenal of different massaging positions. We found it easy to reach virtually any sore spot with this massager. Also versatile with grips and piston angle was the TimTam Power Massager, though the closed triangular grip is a bit smaller and stockier compared to the Theragun.

Hypervolt Go vs Theragun mini Massage gun comparisons

FeatureHypervolt GoTheragun mini
Stall Force~15 lbs~20 lbs
Stroke Length10 mm12 mm
Percussion range2200 – 3200 ppm1750 – 2400 ppm
Speed Options33
Battery Life2 – 2.5 hours2 – 2.5 hours
Noise (on top speed)55 dB58 dB
Weight1.5 lbs1.43 lbs
Attachments21

Noise

The least-loud massage gun we tested was the Medcursor Precision, which is perhaps not surprising because it has the smallest motor. At its lowest speed, the device registers 51.5 decibels and sounds similar to an electric toothbrush. Also in the fifties at low speed were the Opove M3 Pro and the Legiral LE3, which were recorded at 53 decibels and 58 decibels, respectively. At higher PPMs, these models are a bit noisier, though still completely tolerable.

Hypervolt Massage gun comparisons

Hypervolt BluetoothHypervolt Plus Bluetooth
Device typeVibrational Therapy DevicePercussive Therapy Device
Stall Force~35 lbs~45 lbs
Stroke Length10 mm14 mm
Percussions / min1800-2400-32001800-2400-3200
Weight2.5 lbs3 lbs
Dimensions9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
Battery Life2.5 hours (2400mAh)2 hours(2400mAh)
Attachments5
Noise55-67 dB62-69 dB
Power Output60 W90 W
Speeds33
Bluetooth/App ControlYesYes

TimTam Massage gun comparisons

FeatureTheragun PROTim Tam Power Massager ProTim Tam Power MassagerTheragun mini
Stall Force60 lbs ~40 lbs80 lbs~20 lbs
Stroke Length16 mm20 mm16 mm12 mm
Battery Life2.5 h removable1 h removable40 min removable2.5 h
Speed Options5313
Noise [Decibels]60-70 dB ~65-70 dB75 dB~50 dB
Weight2.9 lbs2lbs2.2 lbs1.43 lbs
DisplayOLEDLEDNoneNone
BluetoothYesNoNoNo
Attachments6311

How do I choose a massage gun?

Type of motion: As discussed in the NordicTrack description, percussion and vibration are very different. When shopping for a massage gun, consider which mechanism is more important to you. 

Speed and power: These two elements are definitely the most important. Everyone’s pain tolerance and massage preferences differ, but anyone can benefit from a massager with at least two settings: one being less intense so you can still use the gun on very sore muscles where you are experiencing muscle tension or pain.

Attachments and accessories: Where on your body will you use the massage gun? If you’ll only use it on your large muscles, such as your back and legs, you probably don’t need many attachments or accessories. But if you intend to use it on specific areas and trigger points, such as the arch of your foot or your neck, you would benefit from smaller attachments intended for those specific areas.

Portability: If you’re going to be traveling with your massage gun, you’ll want one that can easily fit into a bag or suitcase, or one that has its own carrying case. Though most are indeed handheld massagers, some units are rather bulky, such as the TimTam models.

Battery life: Pretty self-explanatory — the longer the battery life, the better, as with all electronics.

Cost: You’ll want to look for a therapeutic massager device within your budget. The most expensive massage guns usually offer more adjustable speed, power and motion settings, but less expensive models can certainly get the job done. 

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